Life on the Streets: Stories of the Homeless

is a heart-wrenching book on the realities of what it's like to be homeless, told through interviews with people living on the streets. It is essential reading for anyone who has ever been stirred by the plight of the homeless or troubled about this monumental problem in our country. Obie Oliver has interacted with countless unhoused people over the last few decades and has recently documented one hundred stories so that we can better understand this complicated issue. He has given us access to first-hand accounts that will stir your compassion and inspire you to see the humanity that has been stripped away from these "invisible" souls. This book sheds light on how people end up in this unfortunate predicament and provides insight from the author on how we should respond. "Embracing biases and buying into negative stereotypes by passing judgement, in thoughts or words, on the downtrodden is harmful not only to the homeless, but to the ones perpetuating the myth. Harboring a closed mindset about this population fruits a chasm that makes it easier or even improperly justifiable not to bridge." Oliver calls us to have the courage to embrace the homeless and see our interconnectedness. He suggests that by lifting up these individuals that we not only strengthen them and us, but also all of humanity. This is a truly moving and unique book. It is highly recommended for all members of the human community.